Svalbard Winter Hiking

Overview

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Visit and hike in the High Arctic archipelago of Svalbard

Introduction

Intrigued by this high Arctic archipelago, home to the Polar Bear, located up at 78 degrees north - the closest habitation to the North Pole? By early April, it is almost 24 hours daylight, and the mountains surrounding Longyearbyen are teaming with the sound of birds returning after the long dark winter nights.

You can expect to hike for approximately 4-5 hours each day. This hiking trip is purposely designed in this way, to access a range of routes through the Svalbard scenery in a short period of time, but beware - it's still long enough to be 'bitten' by the polar bug, leaving you with a lifetime desire to want to come back for more!

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Experience Required

This trip is suitable for fit walkers/hikers who are able to carry a day pack (max 5Kg) and walk for up to 4 - 5 hours a day. You need to be confident walking on uneven terrain and in very cold conditions, with changeable weather.

Additional Information

If you wish to discuss any aspect of the trek or your suitability for it, please phone +44 (0)114 276 3322 or contact us.

Dates & Prices

Date	Meeting in		Availability
2027 dates to be announced — Please register your interest

Know Before You Go

Jagged Globe supports the British Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) 'Know Before You Go' campaign. We recommend that you read the FCDO Travel Advice for Norway/Svalbard on the FCDO Website.

What the price includes

• Economy class return flight from UK to Longyearbeyn (unless joining 'Land Only').
• UK airport taxes.
• 1 nights' hotel accommodation in Oslo on the inbound journey (Unless joining 'Land Only').
• 4 nights' B&B accommodation in Longyearbyen on a twin sharing basis.
• Harness with carabiner and rope on glaciers.
• Snowshoe hire, if required, on any of the hikes.
• Medical and repair equipment.
• SAR insurance for the group, and permits when 'out of town'.
• GPS, satellite phone, emergency beacon, weapons (polar bear protection).
• 1 experienced polar guide per 6 participants.
• Jagged Globe kitbag or lightweight fleece.

What the price does not include

• *Airport bus transfer Longyearbyen airport – guesthouse in Longyearbyen (return ticket costs approx 220nok).
• Food and drink whilst in Longyearbyen (4 lunches and 4 evening meals).
• Costs of changing the air ticket due to late return to Longyearbyen.
• Excess baggage charges.
• Personal clothing and equipment.
• Overseas airports taxes not paid in advance through the international airline ticket.
• Bar bills and laundry.
• Travel insurance.
• Optional trips and sightseeing tours.
• Tips.

Tailor Made Trips

We can organise this trek on a ‘tailor-made’ private basis for groups of friends, families, clubs, charities or any other group. The cost of going private can be surprisingly reasonable. Please contact us to discuss the itinerary and your preferred dates. We will then send you a quote, with no obligation.

Insurance

You will need a travel insurance policy that caters for the activities you will undertake on your trip with Jagged Globe. It is a requirement of our booking conditions that you have such a policy. For a list of insurers who specialise in mountaineering, trekking and skiing, please see our Travel Insurance page »

Itinerary

Here is an outline itinerary for this trip. A more detailed day-to-day itinerary is available as a downloadable PDF »

Typical Itinerary

Day 1:	Flight from UK to Oslo Overnight hotel at Oslo airport is included in the 'With Flights' package from the UK. If you are joining on a 'Land Only' basis, services start in Longyearbyen on Day 2.
Day 2:	Flight from Oslo to Longyearbyen Morning flight from Oslo - Longyearbyen - the only settlement permanently inhabited all year round on Svalbard. It's a short bus ride from the airport to our accommodation, where the road ends and the glacier begins. Itinerary briefing and introduction to the use of personal clothing/avoiding cold weather injuries. Overnight at the guesthouse in Longyearbyen opposite our equipment storeroom.
Day 3:	Sarkofargen mountain and Ice Cave Today we hike to the top of Sarkofargen - the peak that dominates the end of town where we are staying. Fantastic views looking down on the glacier and town below us. On the way back down, we'll explore inside a glacier cave. Overnight at the guesthouse in Longyearbyen.
Day 4:	Hike to Breinosa and the Foxfonna Glacier Our day begins with a taxi ride to the 'end of the road', at No.7 mine overlooking Adventdalen - this gives us many possible options for hiking from there towards Breinosa and the Foxfonna Glacier - a great day to learn more about the geology and glaciology that has shaped Svalbard's history over the years. Overnight at the guesthouse in Longyearbyen.
Day 5:	Trollsteinen mountain peak Today we experience what it is like to hike 'roped together' (and using snowshoes, if required) on the glacier as we head towards Trollsteinen - we assume everyone is a beginner when using all of the equipment. We have many and varied descent routes from this peak, depending on the weather and the group. Evening: Time to celebrate and plan 'what's next' hiking in Svalbard.
Day 6:	Fly home

PLEASE NOTE:Every effort will be made to keep to the above itinerary, but this is Adventure Travel in the High Arctic where the weather can change rapidly. The Trip Leader and our local agent will try to ensure that the trip runs according to plan, but you need to be flexible when travelling in this kind of 'extreme' environment. An easy-going and understanding nature will be an asset!

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